TREES

[BigD]

OK guys, I have installed a lot of systems for friends but ran into a problem today. I "boxed", moved from the roof to a pole, and did a couple of "signal dances" to no avail. I simply could not lock on to the signal. BTW, am using a signal meter. The only thing I can figure is that there are some trees in the way which brings me to my question. "How many trees does it take to block the signal." These are oak trees and there is some space (a little) between the limbs. The meter on the IRD did show that we "touched" the signal as it peaked at 68 (for just a second). Any thoughs would be appreciated before I start cutting the neigbor's trees down.

[BigD]

Not good news! I simply cannot move very far without these trees in the way. Maybe if I move to the rear of the backyard I can peak through! Will only take about 200 ft of coax. Thanks for the reply!

[Muggles]

At that length of a run, I think I would use RG-11, direct burial cable. JMHO.

[SMOKER]

Can you say COPPER NAILS? Those darn trees never grow where you want them to. Sometimes you just have to put the dish in odd places. Just make sure that you use the RG11 for the install.There is only .2 ohms per foot loss as compared to .4 for RG6.

[BigD]

Thanks to all for the replys. I finally got it working tonight (in the dark) by moving to the very back of the yard. Read your remarks about RG-11 cable AFTER purchasing a 100' and a 50' cable. The signal strength is around 94 and the picture looks good. Should I opt for the RG-11? Can the RG-6 be buried? Thanks for all the help!

[SMOKER]

Glad to see that your up and running.You can bury the RG6 , but it will only last a year or so until it starts to degrade.It won't all happen all at once though. Seal the fittings real well.If you decide to get flooded direct bury, you might want to upgrade to RG11 at that time.Sounds like your signal is good though, so the benifite would be better signal if you run a multi-switch and more IRDs.

[Muggles]

If you got your coax pre made, from say like a Rat-Shack. I can guarantee you, the cable, is more than likel not direct burial. And you do not want a barrell connector under ground. It wont last 6 months. If you want to bury this, go buy "ROLLED" plastic water line. Like they use for water-wells. Put the coax inside of it, and bury it. Seal all the connections with Silicone sealant, and heat shrink. That should keep the corrosion out. Plus, if you ever want to change it, just pull the new through the plstic 1/2" pipe, with the old wire.